Funner Runner

Terrain Race - June 9, 2018

6/22/2018

I think it is fair to say I am officially sucked into the world of OCRs (obstacle course races). I find myself counting down the days until the next OCR, finding new challenges to take on, and amping up my training to focus more on obstacles. It had been about 2 months since my last OCR and I could not wait to conquer some obstacles and get a little muddy with my teammates, Kurt and Stacy.

We arrived at Georgia International Horse Park about 1 1/2 hours before our wave time. When you register for Terrain Race, you select which wave you want to run - with the first waves being competitive waves followed by the open waves every 15 minutes. Since we had about a 90 minute drive to the race, we opted for a little bit later start wave of 10:15. There were two options for parking: regular parking and VIP parking. We opted for VIP and spent the extra $5 - WELL WORTH IT! We were basically right at the finish line (maybe 150 yards away) rather than over a half mile for regular parking.

We grabbed our bibs and checked out the race site before checking our bags at gear check. The way the start/finish line area was set up, you were able to catch a glimpse of a few of the obstacles along the way. After watching some of the obstacles and some photo ops, we headed over to gear check. Gear check was available for $5 but in return you received a $5 voucher for the merchandise area which was a nice exchange. I really just wanted my clean clothes nearby and would have used gear check anyways, but that was a nice bonus.

Up until I was watching YouTube videos of Terrain Race a few weeks ago, I had no clue about the "wet start". When you enter the corral area for your start wave, you get into one of three pools of water to wait for the horn to go off. Some people opted out of it, but I was committed to the full experience - wet shoes and all. I will admit it, the water was quite refreshing since it was in the mid-80s when we started.

After officially crossing the start line, we were hit with ALL THE WALLS! We had 4' and 6' walls to go over first and then a rope wall to traverse. I won't lie - when we got to the wall with the rope I started to try to question myself. I saw a lot of people struggling as we waited our turn, but I couldn't let others' performance impact me. I gathered my confidence and just went with it. Obstacles like this you have to be confident and trust in your training. A few months ago I would have probably let my mind mess with me, but today I knew I had the strength and mobility to get up and over.

Compared to the other OCRs that I have done this year, Terrain Race offered a number of different "lifting" obstacles including tire pulls, tire flips, and various carries. Some were much more challenging than the others but I loved the variety on the course. While I struggled a little, I could definitely tell a difference in my strength since my first OCR in March. I have been focusing on carries and adding them into my workouts almost daily, and it is really paying off.

I will be the first to admit that my upper body strength can use some working - especially when doing obstacles such as rings, bars, and ropes. There were too many that were strictly shoulder strength, but I was up for the challenge. I actually improved a bit on these since my Savage in March and my transition strategy that I picked up from American Ninja Warrior and some YouTube videos helped getting from the rope to the rings (even though I didn't make it the whole way).

Whoever's idea it was to put a mud pit just before the monkey bars, that was cruel. Straight up cruel! HAHA! Since it was so warm out, the mud dried pretty quickly which meant you would get a good bit of it off before making away across the inclined monkey bars. If you are "lucky" like me, you fell off and got to take a nice dip in the pool below though that both cleaned you off a little and cooled you down before the final obstacle.

The final obstacle was probably my favorite. It was like all of my favorite obstacles had a nice little obstacle baby - inclined balance beams, climbing, and cargo nets all in one! Bonus: you got to go down the firepole!

We crossed the finish line and received our bling. Question though....we get our medals in a plastic bag to keep them clean, however you hand over our finisher shirt in the finish chute as I am covered in mud? Can we get a bag for those? Please.

We rocked the obstacles and got all nice and sweaty and muddy, now it is time to clean off. Ok, this is the most amazing thing EVER - Dr. Bronner's All In-One Magic Foam Experience. While the name sounds like some crazy rave from your college days, it is actually a pretty awesome way to get thousands of muddy runners cleaned off quickly and efficiently. About 75 or so people at a time load into the box and get squirted with water, foam soap and more water. Within about 3 minutes, everyone is clean(ish)! No wasting water. No waiting in a endless line for a hose with no water pressure to wash off. It was a hilarious experience as you bathed with all of your new friends, but it really worked!

This was one of my favorite OCRs! There were about 25 obstacles and the variety was AWESOME and they were spread out nicely across the 3-ish miles. There was enough of a challenge along the way but also some flat out fun ones. Terrain Race comes by to Atlanta in October, but I already have another commitment that morning so I have to miss out which is a bummer. I will totally be on the lookout for it to return to Atlanta next spring/summer though!

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Gear Up For Your July 4th Race Needs In Atlanta

6/20/2018

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Disclaimer: this is NOT a sponsored post. No compensation was received. Big Peach Running Co. is one of my go-to stores for my running needs and a great source for fellow runners to prepare for the upcoming Peachtree Road Race.

It is almost time for one of the BIGGEST race days in Atlanta - July 4th. Between hosting the world's largest 10K, AJC Peachtree Road Race, and the many other Atlanta-area race kicking of the holiday, there are many options for runners to log their miles on July 4th.

You registered months ago, ran your training miles, and are all set for race day...but do you have all the gear you need? With less than two weeks until toeing the start line, now is the time to make sure you have everything you need for race day. Do you have your outfit planned (remember to test-run your outfit)? Need to stock up on your favorite fuel or hydration? Have your handheld water bottle or fuel belt ready (remember, hydration backpacks are NOT allowed at Peachtree Road Race)? Maybe new sunnies are on your list of new accessories you need for race day.

You would think that I have my gear all together after doing this for so many years, but I am constantly always having to pick something up at my local running store. Since I love to shop local and support my Atlanta-area running community, one of my absolute favorite places to get new gear is Big Peach Running Co. From shoes to appareal to recovery, accessories, fuel and more, Big Peach Running Co. has everything you need for your running and walking needs.

Source: Big Peach Running Co.

Since opening in 2004, Big Peach Running Company has become one of most well-known and well-loved running stores in the metro-Atlanta area - and Georgia's largest Running Specialty Retail with seven locations. Founded in Atlanta in 2004, Big Peach Running Co. is Georgia’s largest Running Specialty Retailer. With highly trained staff and a expansive selection of footwear, apparel and accessories, Big Peach Running Co. has been regularly acknowledged for helping thousands of runners, walkers, and fitness enthusiasts by local and national media such as Access Atlanta, Atlanta Magazine, Runner’s World, Competitor Magazine, Creative Loafing and Sporting Goods Business. Most recently, Big Peach Running Co. was named on of the 50 Best Running Stores in America.

Every year, the Running Industry Association partners with Running Insight trade magazine to identify the 50 Best Running Stores in America. There is a rigorous evaluation process, which includes store nominations, mystery shopping to assess customer service, credit ratings from vendors, and assessments about local programs and community commitment. Once again, Big Peach Running Co. is named one of the top 50!

"We are happy to be recognized by those within our industry. In a world that continues to migrate to online shopping, it takes dedication and commitment from our team to not only connect with the surrounding communities but to deliver an outstanding Guest experience. This award let's us know, that attention to detail and great customer service is still important to the Atlanta running community.", says Founder/Co-Owner Mike Cosentino. It has long been the mission of Big Peach Running Co. to encourage more individuals to lead a more active and healthy lifestyle through running and walking. Co-Owner, Steve DeMoss says “Everyone is welcome! Runners come in all shapes, sizes, abilities, and backgrounds and it's our job to help make running more fun and enjoyable. It all starts with our 3-Step Fit Process."

(Source: Big Peach Running Co.)

While you should already have your shoes broken in for the Peachtree Road Race, if you are needing new shoes for those fall races, be sure to check out Big Peach Running Co.'s FREE 3-Step Fit Process for your next pair of running or walking shoes.

The Fit Process starts with an evaluation of the individuals feet. This includes measuring for size as well as width and arch height. The majority of individuals experience discomfort from not wearing shoes that are properly fitted, which can also lead to injury. Step Two is the Video Gait Analysis with the use of iPads, the individual is recorded running. The analysis helps determine pronation as well as running form. Both can help determine what kind of shoes would work best. The third step is where the shoes are actually tried on and the staff member asks for feedback and can make additional recommendations to help narrow down the selection to the shoe that not only fits right but also feels great.

The entire consultation is free of charge and many times Guests return seeking additional advice on training and fueling for races. Big Peach Running Co. has a lot of confidence in their process that they offer a 100% Satisfaction Guarantee. If any anytime the shoes has defects or fails to live up to expectations, Big Peach Running Co. will replace, exchange, or refund the purchase.

(Source: Big Peach Running Co.)

Source: Big Peach Running Co.

I know that I have a trip planned to my local Big Peach Running Co. this weekend - I mean, I totally need a new RunATL patriotic tank a probably new pair of Goodr sunglasses (spoiler: they have REALLY cute store exclusive Peachy Goodrs!)

Source: Big Peach Running Co.

Thank you Big Peach Running Co. for being a valuable source for my running needs and the running community the past 14 years and cheers to many more years and miles!

To learn more about Big Peach Running Company and find a location near you, head over to their website BigPeachRunningCo.com. You can also check Big Peach Running Company on social media:

Facebook: www.facebook.com/BigPeachRunningCo
Twitter: www.twitter.com/PeachyRuns
Instagram: www.instagram.com/bigpeachrunningco

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'Let Your Mind Run Free' with lululemon

6/18/2018

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Disclaimer: I received complimentary gear from lululemon in exchange for my time on this post and review. No other compensation was received for this review. All thoughts are strictly my own based on my experience.

Earlier this year, lululemon introduced their new initiative, 'Let Your Mind Run Free,' which aims to apply meditation and mindfulness to running. Specially developed run gear by lululemon is designed to support runners with zero chafing, anti-stink, and patented sweat-wicking fabric - so runners can truly focus on the run and their mental state on the run.

Credit: lululemon

As a fan of lululemon's yoga and cross training apparel, I was excited to check out their new 'Let Your Mind Run Free ' initiative. While running has been a big part of my life the past ten years or so, it wasn't until five years ago that I discovered my love of yoga. The benefits of adding yoga to my weekly routine have been amazing both physically and mentally. Running tends to help me clear my mind, but any time I can learn a little more about strengthening my body or mind, I am eager to learn.

To help me gear up to 'Let Your Mind Run Free', and look great and perform even better when on the run (and at yoga), I checked out some of lululemon's new running gear. When my Speed Up Bra and Fast & Free Tights arrived, I was excited to take them out for a run and some yoga.

Speed Up Bra (MSRP: $78 USD)
Sports bras - something most women hate to 'harness' themselves into, but it is a necessity for being active. Trying to find a great sports bra can be challenging as we all have our own different needs. lululemon's Speed Up Bra is created specifically for C/D cups to provide high support and keep a natural shape while you run. It is made with a Luxtreme fabric which is a four-way stretch material and also sweat-wicking. I really like the mesh fabric panel in the back for ventilation - I am a major sweater (especially on my back), so any extra help to get air moving is a bonus. There are special features to help prevent chafing such as bonded elements that are strategically placed throughout to keep the bra in place and staying supportive.

I am a 32DD/34D and I wear a size 6 in the Speed Up Bra and found the sizing chart to be pretty spot on with sizing. Yes, it is a tight feel, but it is a supportive feel. It isn't the type of tightness that you can't breath or that it hurts - it is a "secure" feeling that you know that the girls aren't going to go anywhere on your run. There aren't any adjustable straps which I am used to on most of my bras, but the padded straps were a nice touch for comfort.

Oh, and NO UNI-BOOB! The form of the cups help keep everything where it belongs and shaped nicely. So many sports bras smash everything down in a way that makes you look completely flat chested or gives you the look of one solid boob going across your chest, but this was not the case with the Speed Up Bra. It is actually a bra that you could wear out in public proudly post workout and not feel self conscious.

Fast & Free Tight (MSRP: $128 USD)
Keeping it real here - I am not a tights person. I don't like having to wear long pants in general let alone tights. I think part of it is the material of pants being clingy on me (especially my calves) and I feel like I can't breath. The lululemon Fast & Free Tight are different though. They are made with lululemon's patented Nulux fabric which creates a barely-there feel that is also quick-drying and sweat-wicking - perfect for sweaty runs and workouts! BONUS! They have not one, but two great side pockets which are perfect for stashing your phone, gels, lip balm or other necessities. Some of my favorite features of the lululemon Fast & Free Tight are:

- Waistband Pocket
- Interior Drawcord to customize your fit
- Shine-Bright Reflective to help keep you seen in low light
- High-Rise Fit to keep you feeling covered/secure
- Side Pockets

The fit of the lululemon Fast & Free Tight were great feeling on the run. They felt so soft and comfortable that I seriously didn't even realize I was in what I call "leg prissions". I have large calf muscles and quads (#RunnerProbs) so most tights are very tight, stiff and restrictive feeling in their cut. I don't know if it was the cut of the tights necessarily, but fabric made it them very breathable, moveable and comfortable. For the girl that normally doesn't dig tights, I must say that these are a winner for me.

My favorite part about my new lululemon Speed Up Bra and Fast & Free Tights? While they are perfect for running, they are also functional for cross training and yoga. That means I can get done with my run and go do some yoga post-run without having to change attire.

Did you know that lululemon hosts weekly Run Free Clubs hosted at stores across the country? Check out your local store to see when/where Run Free Clubs are hosted near you. Don't have a lululemon near you? Maybe the day and time of your local Run Free Club doesn't fit your schedule. You can still get involved with the 'Let Your Mind Run Free' initiative with lululemon's partnership with Strava and the Global Run Free Club, which finds the best routes around the world and get lost in your thoughts while running - perfect for those wanting to find new routes or those traveling and needing to log some miles.

Thank you lululemon for helping me 'let my mind run free', push me to train harder and also look fabulous in functional running gear while doing so. As the saying goes about 'fall PRs are made in the summer', I have my eyes set on some serious goals this fall and winter, so my summer running and training have to be kicked up to get there. If you need a little extra guidance or motivation in your run and training, you can also check out lululemon's fully-guided online tutorials for run, strength training, and mindfulness at lululemon.com and lululemon playlists on Spotify for playlists for interval to distance training and everything in between. I absolutely love being motivated with some of my favorite songs while I run, so I will definitely be tuning in on Spotify as I sweat it out this summer.

To learn more about lululemon products and their 'Let Your Mind Run Free' initiative, head over to their website www.lululemon.com. You can also check lululemon on social media:
Facebook: www.facebook.com/lululemon
Twitter: www.twitter.com/lululemon
Instagram: www.instagram.com/lululemon
Pinterest: www.pinterest.com/lululemon

Also, be sure to check out your local lululemon store for upcoming special events for both running and yoga! Just a heads up, International Yoga Day is coming up this week (June 21, 2018), so be sure to check out some of the great events happening at lululemon on Thursday - info can be found here.

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Happy Father's Day, Papa J!

6/15/2018

In honor of Father's Day weekend, I wanted to spotlight Papa J! I am beyond lucky to have such an amazing father in my life. Papa J was actually the one who started this crazy running journey of mine. In 2007, he was going to do a 5K and Momma K and I decided to walk it. After deciding that a 5K "wasn't that bad" I slowly started running a little bit more. Fast forward to 2009 when we decided to register for our first 10K and eventually our first half marathon. Yep, Papa J did a half marathon - one and done he says. His distance of choice is definitely 5K.

Dad's running took a little detour last summer when he knew that there wasn't something right with his body. During workouts out the gym he would sweat insane amounts of sweat and have difficulty with his breathing. He had things checked by his doctor and a few months later he was having his heart valve replaced. Just when we thought that things couldn't get crazier for him, during the routine pre-op tests they discovered some "spots" on his lung. The team of doctors decided to get the heart valve surgery done and recovered first and then a few weeks later he underwent scans and biopsies on his lung and lymph-nodes. He had cancerous cells on his middle lobe and had the lobe removed which got all the cancer out of him in one procedure - no chemo or other treatments were required.

He recovered like a total champ and his team of doctors said that thanks to him being so active in general and running helped his recovery time. In particular, his recovery from the lung surgery was faster than normal because his lung capacity was high from running over the years. If there is ever a reason to keep being active, this is it right here!

Since having 1/5 of his lung removed on March 16, Papa J has already returned back to 5Ks. He ran his "5K return" in early May and even took first place in his age group. While Papa J doesn't run as many races as Momma K and I do, he still loves getting out there. He will even tell you that he loves being "the old guy" because he ends up with age group awards at most of his races.

His big goal that he set with his doctor is completing the Peachtree Road Race on July 4th! This has been his motivation getting back post-surgery and he is doing amazing getting ready!

When he isn't running races, he enjoys heading out to the local park for a few miles. Typically on Sunday mornings and a few evenings during the week he heads out there for a loop or two of the park. Papa J is definitely one of the biggest cheerleaders that I have. He has stood at countless finish lines waiting for me to cross and snaps some of the best pictures of me. It is always awesome to have him there for me.

After spending a few years shaking his head at Momma K and my crazy outfits and costumes, Papa J even entered the world of runDisney costumes! In 2016, he actually allowed me to put him into a costume for the Frozen 5K and Enchanted 10K. We kept it simple, but he was such a good sport about it.

Thank you Papa J for all that you do for me! My gratitude for your love and support throughout my life is unmeasurable. I love you!

Happy Father's Day Papa J! Wishing you and all of the awesome dads out there a fantastic day!

StrideBox June 2018

6/14/2018

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Disclaimer: A HUGE thanks to the team at StrideBox for allowing me to review their subscription box service. While I did receive a box to review, no other compensation was received. As always, I keep it real and all thoughts are strictly my own.

Fitness and health products can be very tricky at times to find out what works best for you. Rather than going and dropping serious cash on products that you quickly find out that you can't stomach or don't work well for you, StrideBox lets you try various products each month before you decide to purchase large quantity packages of new products.

While every product might not be the best fit for you, you can typically find a friend that might want to try it out instead. The best part about StrideBox is that it is just $19.95/month and you can cancel your subscription any time if you find that you aren't enjoying your box.

Each month when I receive my StrideBox, I am honestly like a kid on Christmas morning. I absolutely cannot wait to rip into my box and see what kind of goodies await me.

One of the cool features of StrideBox is that each box comes with a "Stride Guide" inside. This guide gives you a breakdown of the products as well as information such as when to use the products in your workout/run and the retail price. To be honest, I typically ignore the "Stride Guide" until I am done unloading the box so I don't ruin the surprise.

It is time to dig into this month's StrideBox and check out the goods

TRAIL NUGGETS - PEANUT BUTTER COCO APOCALYPSE

Fact: I am a sucker for all things peanut butter. I mean, if I could eat my weigh in peanut butter I would be happy! I pretty much squealed when I saw the Peanut Butter Coco Apocalypse in this month's StrideBox. It is basically a peanut butter filled brownie without the guilt.

Between work, running, the gym, and trying to have somewhat of a personal life, I am on the go A LOT and I am trying to do better avoiding vending machines and drive-thrus, so I try to have healthy snacks with me for when I get a little hangry. I am always looking for new snacks to throw in my purse, gym bag, or desk drawer to keep me fueled and ready to go.

SWORD - CHEWABLE CAFFEINE TABLETS - MINTS

Are you one that needs a little extra "boost" before heading out on your run or knocking out a workout at the gym? We can probably all use a little extra boost from time to time and if caffeine is your thing, Sword might just be the product for you. Sword chewable caffeine tablets deliver caffeine in a simple, yet powerful form with a release 50 mg of clean caffeine in one great-tasting chewable tablet – perfect for use on the go. Sword can be used pre-workout or during for fatigue.

I already guilty of consuming too much caffeine as is, so I will probably be passing this along to a friend to try out.

ELECTRO DELYTES - SPORTS CANDY - CITRUS

Electro Delytes Sports Candy are based on a traditional Turkish Delight candy recipe with a refreshing citrus taste. Don't let the term "sports candy" fool you though because these are a 2 piece bar with electrolytes and composed with simple carbs to give you energy before, during, or after your run/workout without being harsh on your stomach. Since I can't use traditional running gels for mid-run fuel, this is definitely something that I am interested in trying out on my next run to help me power through the miles and feel great along the way.

TAILWIND - REBUILD RECOVERY - CHOCOLATE

It isn't often that I find products in my StrideBox that I am already familiar with, but this month I did twice. I had the opportunity to try out Tailwind's newest product, Rebuild Recovery, when if first launched earlier this year and LOVED it! It is a great addition to the Tailwind line. Whether you are a fan of Tailwind's Endurance Fuel or just in need of a new recovery product, I recommend checking out Rebuild to help you replenish your glycogen levels with carbohydrates, rebuild muscles with complete proteins and rehydrate and restore electrolytes.

SHOWER PILL - BODY WIPE

ShowerPill is another one of my "must haves" in my gym bag and race bag. Since I am always on the go, there are a lot of times that I run errands or head to brunch after my race or workout. Since I don't always have time to shower beforehand and I don't want to go totally smelly and nasty, I love being able to wipe off and freshen up with my ShowerPill Body Wipes. I feel clean and smell better with one convenient wipe.

STRIDEBOX ESSENTIALS - IONIC INSULATED 'RUNCH' BAG

I always love the bonus "StrideBox Essentials" items in my StrideBox each month. These are usually little pieces of running gear that you didn't know that you needed (shoe laces, running pouches, waterproof bags, running lights, etc). Since I am always packing snacks for work or working out and my race bag always has some drinks in it, I am loving this small ionic insulated "runch bag". It is the perfect size to throw a few snacks and drinks in and keep them cold on the go (especially during this hot summer months)!

One final thing included this month's StrideBox was a card with a recipe for Power Cookies from Sarah Cuff at Eat2Run.com and a 35 Minute Circuit Circus workout from Lindsey at NourishMoveLove.com. This was definitely a nice little bonus to check out and I cannot wait to try both of these out soon - that workout looks so fun and AMAZING!

As I mentioned earlier, not every sample is going to be something that directly fits your life and likes. However, I really like the concept behind subscription boxes because you can try new things that you might not have known about before. StrideBox does a great job providing various products for pre-run, during, and post-run needs. The products included are definitely geared towards runners and other athletes and are a great fit for you and your fitness goals.

Question of the Day: Have you ever tried a subscription box? What kind of products would you like to see in an upcoming StrideBox?

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Braves Country 5K - June 2, 2018

6/13/2018

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A few weeks ago was the second the Braves Country 5K at SunTrust Park, hosted by Atlanta Track Club. There is a 5K, 1 Mile, and a 50 meter dash included in the morning's events. Momma K, some friends, and I ran this race the past few years, and as with all Atlanta Track Club events, we had a great time, so we came back again in 2018. Momma K and I were running and Papa J came to cheer us on.

With SunTrust Park becoming the new home of the Atlanta Braves in 2017, the race location move from Turner Field. After running the Braves Country 5K at SunTrust Park last year, we knew that we would have to park at one of the designated lots just outside of The Battery area and walk about 1/2 a mile or so to the stadium. You can never tell how traffic in Atlanta will be or how parking would be, so we got there pretty early....like over an hour before the race early.

Just as we approached SunTrust Park, the sky bottomed out and basically monsooned for a good 15 minutes or so. Luckily there were plenty of places to seek shelter for a few minutes and stay a little bit dry. Side note: it was NOT suppose to rain per the forecast.

Since we got to the race site crazy early, we had plenty of time to head over to bib pickup, meet up with friends, and head to the restrooms (yay for indoor restrooms in the stadium!) before race time.

We headed over to the corrals shortly before the race started. The race started at 7:30am with corral A followed by corrals B, C, and D with about 2-3 minutes between each wave. Thanks to the volunteers, Atlanta Track Club staff, fellow runners, and an awesome DJ, the energy was pumpin' as we waited to start.

OH MY HILLS! That is all I have to say about today's course. The course was slightly altered from last year with the first mile and a half or so wrapping around SunTrust Park. The first half mile was basically all uphill and there were a few sections of downhill with a lot of uphill portions over and over with some being quite steep. I am glad today was about having fun and not pushing myself, because I honestly don't know how much I could have pushed on those hills. I mean, Atlanta is quite hilly, but this was one of the hilliest 5K courses I have ran in the Atlanta area.

The hills were worth it in the end because guess where the finish line for the Braves Country 5K is??? Yep, inside of SunTrust Park on the warning track! You enter SunTrust Park around mile 3 before running in the outfield and crossing the finish line. How awesome is that!?!?!

Running the final .1 mile inside of the stadium is an absolute adrenaline rush. Even though I am not a Braves fan (sorry y'all), rushing on the field is just amazing to say the least! It is definitely different terrain running on the warning track versus pavement and such a cool experience.

Credit: Atlanta Track Club

It was quite toasty out there today and VERY humid (thanks to that random popup shower just before the race). After cooling off and catching my breath a bit, I headed up into the stands and waiting for friends to come through the finish area. Everyone was pretty giddy about finishing inside of the stadium but also trying to handle the heat & humidity of the morning. Bonus: we got cute Braves cups filled with popcorn after the race as well - snack game was on point.

I then headed over to the kids' 50 meter race to cheer on the junior runners including my friend Jill's daughters and then to the awards to watch Brendan get his award for 2nd place age group.

Thank you again to both Atlanta Track Club and the Atlanta Braves for hosting a wonderful morning of fun. I can't wait to head to SunTrust Park again in 2019 for even more fun.

As a bonus with your race registration you also received a ticket to a Atlanta Braves game that evening which is a great perk for the runners (additional tickets could be purchased for family/friends). Game options included that evening's game (with pre-game festivities for runners/volunteers) or a choice of 2 other future games.

Are you interested in joining in on the fun of future Atlanta Track Club events? There are a number of races happening in the upcoming weeks around metro-Atlanta including the Atlanta's Finest 5K on August 18.

Interested in becoming a member of the Atlanta Track Club? Learn more about member benefits and become a member here. You can also register to become a member at the Peachtree Road Race expo July 2nd and 3rd.

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Remembering Grandma - 1 Year Later

6/12/2018

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I can't believe it has already been a year since my sweet Grandma passed away. It has been rough at times for the family obviously, but we made it a year of "firsts" without her. We have gone from being mad, to sad, to knowing that she is no longer suffering in a "black hole" everyday due to Alzheimer's.

All I can think about is the beautiful time that I got to spend with her last February. Even with Alzheimer's, she knew me when she saw me. She might not have remembered my name, but she knew that she knew me. We had an absolutely amazing time together that day and it is something that fills my heart with joy at a time of hurt and sadness.

There are so many great memories that I shared with her over the years (even though I wouldn't let her hold me when I was a baby/toddler). Most importantly, I thank her for giving me my balance of stubbornness and kindness in life.

Did you know that Alzheimer's is the 6th leading cause of death in the United States and is the only cause of death in the top 10 in the United States that cannot be prevented, cured or slowed? (source: www.alz.org) The statistics for Alzheimer's impact in the United States keeps growing year after year which is why we all need to do something to help find a way to prevent, cure, or slow down the effects of this horrible disease.

Source: Alzheimer's Association (www.alz.org/facts)

Rather than just sit around and wish that Alzheimer's would go away forever, my family and I decided to join the Walk to End Alzheimer's. Last September, we joined thousands of others that have lost loved ones to Alzheimer's as well as those that currently have a loved one battling the disease, caring for those with Alzheimer's and even some that are battling the disease themselves at the Chattanooga Walk to End Alzheimer's. Thanks to the love and support of family and friends, I alone raised over $1000 to end this horrible disease. In honor of my Grandma, as well as honoring others that lost the battle with Alzheimer's and those currently battling it, we will once again walk this fall.

I encourage you to join the Walk to End Alzheimer's at a location near you if you ever have the chance. Even if you personally haven't been directly affected by the disease, more than likely you know someone who has either had the disease, cared for someone with the disease, or have lost someone to it. Alzheimer's is a horrible disease to watch someone go through and with funds generated to the Alzheimer's Association, you are helping to work towards the first patient CURED and create awareness and support for those currently fighting Alzheimer's and loving someone with it.

Grandma and I were very close and to say that I miss her each and every day is a absolute understatement. All I can do is go out into the world and make here proud in everything that I do! <3

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5 Things In my OCR Gear Bag

6/8/2018

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Tomorrow is my third OCR (obstacle course race) in 2018. When I committed to doing one with the guys I train with, I didn't think I would get sucked into the world of OCRs so quickly. I have already conquered fears, done more than I thought I was capable of and learned a lot from my experiences this year.

There is no doubt that OCRs are WAY different than road races. One of the biggest differences obviously is that rather than just finish a sweaty mess, you finish with a little bit of mud on you more than likely.

At the finish line festival area of OCRs you will typically find clean up stations (i.e. hoses), changing tents and gear check. When prepping for Savage Race in March, I did quite a bit of reading OCR blogs and asking fellow OCRers about what I need to pack in my gear check bag. Well, I ended up way over packing. I THINK I finally have my "must haves" for my OCR gear bag narrowed down. You learn things along the way, right?

Here are the things you will find in my gear check bag this weekend and throughout the rest of the 2018 season.

1. Clothes & Sandals

Taking some clean clothes to change into is pretty much an assumed thing to bring with you in your OCR bag. Since there are gender specific changing tents, you can get as changed as you choose to. Since most OCR sites in Atlanta are over an hour from my house, plus food on the way home is a necessity, I like to rinse off and change into something clean and dry.

One very important thing I bring to change into though are sandals. You won't believe how much mud gets piled into your shoes, so taking off those shoes and socks and slipping into a pair of sandals for the ride home is fantastic. Just be sure to bring a rubber type of sandal (think rubber shower shoe style flip flops).

2. Baby Wipes

Hoses post-OCR are great. They get a good bit of the mud off. However, once you hit those changing tents, you find even more mud (especially under your clothes). Having baby wipes on had are great for getting any extra bits of mud off of you and freshen up a bit. I had them at Savage Race and let me tell you, the girl next to me was about in tears when I let her use some to wipe off a bit more - especially her face. They are a lifesaver.

3. Towels

After washing off, you will need to dry off a bit. I actually pack two towels on OCR days - one goes in my gear bag and one stays in the car. The one in my gear bag I use to dry off and you can also use it if you are more modest when changing. There are sport towels ("transition towels") that have closures that you can use to wrap the towel around your waist to change under which are pretty cool and they can also fit perfectly over your car seat. This brings me to my second towel - for the car ride. I keep a clean towel in the car to put over my car seat for the ride home. Yes, I washed off, but there is still a bit of mud and dampness to me. The helps me protect my car seats even after a morning of mud fun!

4. Water

I know having a bottle of water in your gear check bag probably sounds funny - especially since there is more than likely water, sports drink, adult beverages, etc at the finish line festival to quench your thirst and rehydrate. However, while I could drink some of this water while cleaning up and changing, drinking it is not the reason I have it in there. If while changing I have some spots that need cleaned up a little more than a baby wipe can do, I can pour some water onto me and use my towel to wipe it with (or rewet some baby wipes if the package dried out since my last race). Dual purpose, y'all.

5. Bags

What do you do with those wet and muddy clothes? Exactly. Do yourself a favor and pack some bags to put your clothes and shoes into after you change. You can use plastic bags from the store (reusing at its finest), but what I prefer to do is use my Eagle Creek Sport bags. I put my gear into Eagle Creek Sport bags to keep organized before changing and then my dirty clothes go into them afterwards. The best part is that they are made for wet, dirty clothes and are easily cleaned so you can reuse them time and time again.

A few more little odds and ends end up in my bag, but this is a good idea of some of the least thought about things that you might not think of for your next OCR gear bag. I am sure there are still some 'must haves' that I haven't thought of yet - fortunately there is still some room in my bag for more.

Time to head to Terrain Race in the morning with my two sidekicks - Stacy and Kurt!

With Terrain Race on Saturday and Hotlanta Half Marathon on Sunday, it is going to be a wild and crazy weekend! Wishing everyone a great weekend! What do you have on tap for the weekend?

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Global Running Day 2018

6/6/2018

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Happy Global Running Day! Today is a day to celebrate running and all runners around the world. It is a day to declare your passion for running and why you run. There are countless ways to celebrate Global Running Day. You can take a friend out for their first run, set new goals for yourself, sign up for a goal race, and of course go for a run.

Source: GlobalRunningDay.org

What is Global Running Day exactly? "Global Running Day is a day for people around the world to celebrate the joys of running. Participation is easy—just pledge to take part in some type of running activity on June 6, 2018. It can be a solo lap around the block, a long run with friends, or even a game of tag with your kids. The key is to share your passion for the sport and inspire others to get moving." (source: Global Running Day)

Easy enough, right? Grab your friends, your family, your pets, or even make some new friends and head out and run today! Head over to www.GlobalRunningDay.org to find events near you or other fun info like printable Global Running Day bibs! Don't forget to pledge your miles below to be a part of the tally for 2018 and connect with other runners celebrating on social media with #GlobalRunningDay.

Since I have class at the gym tonight, I will probably get a quick mile in there but hope to head out to the park for a few miles this evening after work. It is one of my favorite places to log miles so it is fitting location for my Global Running Day run. Since running is always more fun with great company, I am hoping for some friends or family to join in on the fun as well.

There are countless ways to get involved and run with other individuals in your community today. Be sure to check out your local running store or run clubs out on social media for events and group runs happening in your area. For those of you in the Atlanta area, I did some leg work for you. Here are some Global Running Day happenings in and around Atlanta today.

Atlanta Track Club - Join Atlanta Track Club as they celebrate Global Running Day from sun up to sun down! There are FOUR great chances to run with them and celebrate the sport we all love. For more information, head over to the Atlanta Track Club website.

West Stride - Head to West Stride at 6:30pm for a run, followed by fresh warm cookies from Tiff's Treats. All abilities welcome. Runs are free and self-led. For more info and to RSVP head over to the West Stride Facebook page.

lululemon Atlanta - Let Your Mind Run Free - Three Atlanta-area lululemon stores are hosting a Let Your Mind Run Free run in celebration of Global Running Day. Meet up at one of the three Atlanta-area stores at 6:30pm and head towards Piedmont Park to arrive at the Dock by 7:15pm and celebrate with drinks, food, and games before running back at 9pm. To RSVP and get more information, head to the event page here.

Participating Atlanta Lululemon locations are:

Howell Mill lululemon @ 1168 Howell Mill RD NW
Ponce City Market lululemon @ 675 Ponce de Leon Ave NE, Unit C187
Highland Runners @ 1393 N Highland Ave NE

Regardless of how you choose to celebrate today, make sure you celebrate YOU and your run today by sharing your run with social media! Connect with other runners by using #GlobalRunningDay on your Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram posts today. For information on Global Running Day events in your area go to the Global Running Day website here for more information.

I want to see all of the awesomeness that you are doing today, so be sure to post your crazy running selfies or post run pictures on social media. Remember, you never know who you might inspire!

Other than running, another awesome way to celebrate Global Running Day taking advantage of gear and races at discounted prices. In order to help spread the sales and savings, below are some of the sales that I have been coming across for runners including gear, races, and more! I will update the list as the day goes by - I can't wait to see and hear about what items you scored today - HAPPY SHOPPING!

Race Discounts

Atlanta Halloween Half Marathon & 5K (October 28, 2018) - Save 10% off registration with discount code SAVE10 (valid until June 11, 2018)

Diva's Half Marathon & 5K Series (Various Locations/Dates) - 10% off* with code RUNNINGDAY2018 until June 9th! *Not valid for virtual events. Cannot be applied to existing registrations or combined with any other offers.

Heroes In Recovery 6K (Various Locations/Dates) - Save $6 when you sign up to run or walk any live Heroes 6K event with code RUNNINGDAY (valid June 6, 2018 only).

Hot Chocolate 15K/5K (Various Locations/Dates) - $6 off any 2018-19 Allstate Hot Chocolate 15k/5k event with code GLOBALRUN18. *Code can't be retroactively applied to completed registrations and is limited to one registration. Offer valid until 6/7/18 (11:59pm)

Jeff Galloway Half Marathon (Atlanta, GA - December 9,2018) - Sign up for the 5th annual JG 13.1 on #GlobalRunningDay and get a FREE Galloway Running Journal. No code required. Valid June 6, 2018 only.

Myrtle Beach Mini Marathon (Myrtle Beach, SC - October 20-21, 2018) - 10% off* with code RUNNINGDAY2018 until June 9th! *Not valid for the Doggy Dash event. Cannot be applied to existing registrations or combined with any other offers.

Publix Savannah Women's Half Marathon & 5K (Savannah, GA - April 6, 2019) - Save 10% off registration with code RUNSAV. Offer valid June 6, 2018.

Rock 'n' Roll Marathon Series (Various Dates and Locations Globally) - Ready to rock?!?! Well, be sure to take advantage of the lowest prices of 2018-19 for the Rock 'n' Roll Marathon Series. Prices are valid through June 6, 2017 at 11:59 PDT and quantities are limited, so run over now to save big!

Savage Race (Various Dates and Locations) - Buy 1, Get 1 50% Off race entry with code THANKSDAD. *Offer excludes spectator passes and SavageJR. Expires 11:59 PM EST on 6/21/2018. Cannot be combined with any other offers. Offer cannot be retroactively applied to current registrations. Code does not discount mandatory insurance fee, only the base registration fee.

Gear Discounts

Sparkle Athletic - www.sparkleathletic.com Valid until June 30, 2018 - FREE SHIPPING on all orders with code iloverunning. Valid until June 30, 2018.

Sparkly Soul Headbands - www.sparklysoul.com - 25%off sitewide and free shipping over $50.00 with code RUN2018. Valid until June 7, 2018

FUNNER RUNNER'S
GLOBAL RUNNING DAY GIVEAWAY!

To celebrate Global Running Day, I am hooking up one lucky reader with a Funner Runner Global Running Day prize pack! Included is some of my favorite gear to help you get through those summer runs, recover strong, and enjoy the fun of the run.

Prize pack includes:
KnuckleLights COLORS
$15 RoadID Giftcard
Momentum Jewelry Wrap and FootNote
VibraCool*

*VibraCool prize is sponsored by VibraCool

To enter the giveaway, utilize the various entry methods via the Rafflecopter below.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Entries will be accepted until 9pm EST on Thursday, June 14, 2018. Winner will be selected on the morning of Friday, June 15th, 2018 via Rafflecopter and will be contacted via the email address associated with their Rafflecopter account .

The winner will have 48 hours to claim the prize or prize will be forfeited and an alternate winner will be selected. Prize pack will be mailed directly by myself as well as VibraCool pending confirmation of winning.

Sorry, this giveaway is only open to residents of the United States.

Question of the Day: How you are celebrating Global Running Day?

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OESH Artemis Sandal Review

6/4/2018

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Disclaimer: I received a complimentary pair of OESH Artemis Sandals in exchange for my honest review. No other compensation was received for this review. All thoughts are strictly my own based on my experience.

It is now unofficially summer which means trading in your boots for sandals (unless you live where it is 70+ year-round). Ever since some foot issues I had a few years ago, I have to be very careful with the shoes I wear - particularly sandals/flipflops. Those inexpensive flipflops many of us wear to the pool and such? Yea, those can stay on for about a minute before I have had enough. Needless to say, those are not a part of my summer wardrobe.

When I was asked to check out OESH's Artemis Sandals, I did a little research on them to see if I thought they would be a good sandal for my feet beforehand.

OESH started as footwear made for women by women (however there are men's products now) by Harvard M.D. Dr. Casey Kerrigan after twenty years of researching and studying the motion and forces of walking and running.

"The core footwear and physiology aspects which OESH adesses apply to either gender. But, given that women have a greater need (women are, on average, twice as prone to running, walking and other lower extremity injuries as compared to men and have always had the worst footwear choices), OESH manufacturing “responds” to women, first. But certainly OESH works for both men and women. Our new OESH Lea now fits up to size 12 men’s (our size 13 OESH)–men should simply add 1.5 to get the La Vida or Lea equivalent. Moreover, just as it has been from women, the feedback and response from men wearing OESH has been overwhelmingly positive. And we even have a line of Sandals–Apollo and Ares–just for guys, too!"

Based upon the world’s most sophisticated human movement science, the Artemis Sole gently sinks and rises along with your moving body, designed for an active woman’s lifestyle and vigorous physical activity. The architecture of honeycombed springs (entirely made via OESH’s award-winning 3-D printing technology in Charlottesville, Virginia), with easily adjustable, supple straps including the secure big toe nest, creates a Sandal without peer, engineered to maximize long-term health and wellness. The famously healthy design of OESH encourages all-day wear, comfortable on wet or dry surfaces.

(Source: OESH Shoes).

When my OESH Artemis Sandals arrived, I couldn't wait to check them out! All of the science behind the design of them sounded very impressive and these could just be the casual sandal that I have been looking for the past few years. From first impression, they look great. The straps not only provide function to the shoe, they are cute! A good performing shoe is so important, but when they look great too, that is an even better bonus!

Another initial feature that I checked out was the tread on the bottom of the sandals. With so many rainy summer afternoons and those days at the pool, having good traction at the bottom is important.

Since I have never worn a sand with a toe loop or with a strap/buckle, I really appreciated the simple instructions included with them. Most sandals are a "one size fits most" design and don't offer any adjustability to the fit. Our feet aren't all designed the same - why should our shoes? Some of us have a wider/narrow forefoot or ankles. As my feet swell up in the heat of summer (especially if I have been on them a lot), it is nice having the option to tighten or loosen the straps as needed for a more comfortable fit.

I was excited about the adjustable strap and buckle, but then I started to ponder how convenient the process of putting them on and adjusting them would be. Honestly, it was so quick and simple to put them on and adjust the straps. I LOVE being able to adjust the straps and the ability to add a little extra support/stability to areas that I feel I need a little tighter. I had them on and adjusted in as much time (and probably less) than putting on sneakers.

One of the first things I noticed when I tried on the OESH Artemis Sandals was the roomy forefoot and narrower heel which provided a comfortable fit from the start. I was also instantly impressed with the comfortableness of the sole - not too stiff, not to squishy. A good support under your feet is important, but comfort in terms of a flexible and soft cushion to walk on is also important. There was instant comfort as soon as I slid my feet in - unlike typical sandals.

Yes, I am aware of my very pale feet... #RunnerProbs

After wearing the OESH Artemis Sandals for hours at a time of walking, running errands, post-workout, etc I can safely say that these are some of the most amazingly comfortable sandals I have ever put my feet into. It honestly felt like I didn't even have shoes on, but at the same time gave me the support of a quality sneaker. Even after all day walking on my first wear, my feet were loving me (no breaking-in required).

Call me weird, but the "flip flop" sound of flip flops drives me NUTS and since the OESH Artemis Sandals  are strapped onto the foot securely, there is no flopping around and no awkward sounds as you walk.

I am already thinking of all the great opportunities to wear my OESH Artemis Sandals this summer - baseball games, amusement parks, trips to the park, and more. While part of me is happy just being in running shoes and other sneakers every day, sometimes you need sandals to help stay cooler and let your feet breath a bit for comfort.

I cannot say enough great things about the OESH Artemis Sandals and their comfort and functionality. Obviously I am a HUGE fan of them and they are totally going to be a staple to my wardrobe moving forward. Hey, comfort and fashionable all in one? I am in. Thank you again to OESH for the opportunity to try out the Artemis Sandals and treat my feet to the experience.